Traveling from one state to the next or relocating to an area like New Port Beach California brings with it many challenges when moving with pets, particularly when finding places to eat.  

Leaving an animal in the car is dangerous and illegal especially in hot weather. But the idea of taking a dog who misbehaves to a pet-friendly restaurant induces stress and anxiety. 

You may have a pup that is only beginning with behavior training and socialization, starting with responding to commands. You’re only now working to teach your dog to be quiet. If that’s the case, follow along for tips to make training easier. 

Training Your Pup to Be Dog-Friendly-Restaurant Ready 

A first step as a responsible pet parent is understanding your dog. When you do, you’ll know when your pup is ready to join you in a restaurant and if it’s too soon for such an experience.  

The priority is not to force a canine which can have unfortunate consequences, the least of which includes knocking over chairs and grabbing food from tables. The recommendation is to first work with the dog at home during meals by having him lie on his favorite mat while you enjoy dinner. 

A favorite chew toy, water bowl and treat will keep him occupied while you eat. Once you accomplish this, you can move him to a more populated location with his belongings like a friend’s house where more people and other animals will be distracting.  

Visit https://westoceanfrontmagazine.com/dog-dining/ for suggestions on dining with dogs. Here are tips to get your canine restaurant ready. 

Search for the most suitable restaurant 

At the start, you want to avoid a four-course meal and opt for a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone to keep the time frame minimal. It’s also essential to ensure the establishment looks favorably toward dogs visiting. This will provide a better time for you and your pup. 

In the friendliest environment, the host or hostess will ask where the dog will be most comfortable. You might prefer a shady, out-of-the-way spot that blocks his view from the other guests.  

While some restauranteurs recommend sidewalk seating for pups, the foot traffic congestion is an extra challenge for pet parents trying to avoid added stimulation and excitement for their dogs.  

The ideal location will space the tables adequately and use obstacles like potted plants to block the view between guests to keep the dog content in his own space. 

Avoid being discourteous 

You want to avoid being a customer who ruins the pet policy for all other pet parents. If you’re discourteous, offend other guests, or are demanding of the staff, you could be responsible for the restaurant revoking the pet privileges.  

As a pet parent, it’s a benefit to be able to take dogs to certain establishments and it’s your responsibility to ensure your pup is on his best behavior.  

This will mean ensuring he has a potty break immediately before heading to the restaurant, keeping him close on the floor, preferably under the table or by your feet, and avoiding feeding him from the plates or the utensils unless the staff provides these for the canine. View here for tips on how to make a restaurant more dog friendly. 

A meal and some together time 

Before leaving for the restaurant take some time with your dog whether you take a long walk, play at the park with other dogs, or enjoy some fetch in the yard. This will burn energy so if he sees another dog at the restaurant or notices kids playing, he might not be as reactive. 

Another tactic is to feed him his favorite meal to ensure he’s not hungry while you’re having your mean. Unless the restaurant offers dog-friendly items on the menu and you intend to get him a meal there. The objective is to keep him relaxed and calm by your side, but hunger will make him anxious.  

Pay attention 

The ideal start to eating out together is proper training and finding the friendliest places to go. Still, regardless of whether you have a perfectly behaved dog when patronizing a restaurant with your pup, you will need to pay close attention to your surroundings, the activity in the restaurant, and potential problems. 

Another dog might run past; the wait staff could deliver dinner to the neighboring table that stirs the canine’s tastebuds; a child in a high chair could start tossing food on the floor, or a well-meaning stranger may decide to pet your pup. You’ll need to stop a problem before it turns major.  

Also, always have special treats to reward appropriate behavior, such as not reacting to triggers when you go out. 

Have a plan ready to leave 

Dogs have bad days in the same way as we do. You can’t plan for each incident no matter how you try. Perhaps a rabbit will hop by as your dining causing the dog to lunge or a rowdy bowling team will stop in for dinner. It’s important to have a plan in mind if you need to leave the restaurant suddenly. 

This can include paying your share to a friend who can pay the bill if you need to leave quickly. The same friend can have your food packed up and bring it to you. If you’re dining along, leave sufficient cash to cover the bill and a tip and make a quick exit. 

Final Thought 

Before exposing your dog to restaurants along the way to Newport Beach California, make sure he’s ready for the dining experience. Visiting dog-friendly restaurants is an advanced training skill that isn’t easily accomplished. 

If it’s too soon you could have dire consequences including grabbing food from the table or knocking over the furniture to chase another dog or a racing child.  

You may need to indulge in picnics along the way until training is mastered. It doesn’t matter where you eat as long as you’re together. Your pup will get the hang of it. It just takes time, practice, and patience.